Elodie Degage is a registered nurse whose career reflects both discipline and compassion. Raised in Dallas, Texas, she spent part of her youth in London before returning to the United States. She graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s nursing program in 2024, where she consistently earned a place on the Dean’s list.
Her path into healthcare was shaped by a strong sense of service. While studying, Elodie joined Army ROTC and the student nurses association, experiences that deepened her leadership skills and professional focus. Alongside her academic commitments, she worked varied roles – from serving on a boat to clerking in a boutique – learning adaptability and resilience.
Her volunteering has been equally important. She has given her time to the Hawaii Food Bank, IHS Homeless Shelter, and dog rescue groups. These efforts underline her belief in community, empathy, and action.
Outside of nursing, Elodie has pursued athletics with the same dedication. A lifelong runner, she competed in cross country and track during high school, contributing to a state championship team, and later completed a marathon. She is also a committed equestrian, continuing to seek opportunities to work in stables near her home.
Today, Elodie combines clinical skill with a wide view of service, balancing healthcare work with community commitments. She represents a new generation of nurses: grounded in knowledge, driven by compassion, and ready to lead through action.
In Conversation with Elodie Degage: Nursing, Service, and Strength
Q: Elodie, let’s start at the beginning. Where did your story with healthcare and service begin?
A: I grew up in Dallas, Texas, in a close family. My mum was a teacher, so from the start I was taught that learning and service go hand in hand. When I was younger, we lived in London for a while, and that opened my eyes to different communities and ways of life. Those early years shaped how I see responsibility. Service was not something separate—it was part of everyday life.
Q: You were also very involved in sport as a teenager. How did that influence you?
A: Running and equestrian sports were a huge part of my youth. In high school, I ran track and cross country, and our team won a state championship. I also trained in ballet. Those experiences gave me discipline and perseverance. Later, I ran a marathon, which taught me how far you can go if you put one foot in front of the other. Nursing can feel the same—it’s about stamina and staying steady under pressure.
Q: How did you choose nursing as a career?
A: Nursing appealed because it combines science and compassion. I studied at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and graduated in 2024. During those years, I joined Army ROTC and the student nurses association. That gave me a sense of leadership and teamwork. I saw that nursing was more than treating patients—it was about leading by example, being present, and giving people dignity.
Q: You balanced studies with work in different jobs—on a boat, in a shop, even in a stable. How did those shape you?
A: They taught me adaptability. Serving on a boat or working in a clothing boutique might not seem connected to nursing, but in every case, I learned to deal with people, to listen, and to solve problems quickly. Even working in a barn with horses showed me how patience and care are universal. It doesn’t matter if you’re helping an animal, a customer, or a patient—the principle is the same.
Q: Volunteering has been a constant for you. Why is that so important?
A: I’ve volunteered with the Hawaii Food Bank, IHS Homeless Shelter, and a dog rescue organisation. For me, it’s about seeing people where they are and not looking away. It keeps me grounded. Healthcare can sometimes feel like a system, but volunteering reminds you it’s about people—individual stories and needs.
Q: Now that you’re working as a nurse in a clinic, what lessons have stayed with you most?
A: The lesson that service and discipline matter every day. In clinic work, things move fast, and people come in with stress or fear. My background in sport helps me stay steady, and my volunteering reminds me to keep empathy at the centre. I try to lead by doing—whether that’s staying calm, being organised, or showing compassion.
Q: You’ve mentioned leadership several times. Do you see yourself as a leader in nursing?
A: Leadership in nursing doesn’t always look like a title. Sometimes it’s setting the tone in a room, mentoring a student, or helping a colleague through a tough shift. My Army ROTC experience gave me confidence in stepping forward, but nursing has shown me that leadership is often quiet. It’s being dependable and consistent.
Q: Looking ahead, what do you hope to achieve in your career?
A: I want to keep growing as a nurse and continue connecting my work with the wider community. That could mean more involvement in public health, or more volunteer projects. I’d also like to combine my passion for equestrian life with healthcare in some way, perhaps through therapy programmes. Whatever path it takes, I want my career to reflect both care and action.
Q: Finally, what advice would you give to young people considering nursing?
A: Be ready to work hard, and remember why you’re doing it. Nursing will test you, but it will also give you meaning. Stay disciplined, stay compassionate, and don’t forget that leadership comes in many forms.
